HFIMK9003 ¨C Controversies surrounding media and identities

Course content

Drawing on recent research and on-going public debates, this course addresses controversial and difficult issues tied to identities, representation, and diversity in media studies. One of the most significant is the representation of minorities and marginalized groups in journalism and news media. Studies across the world have shown that media hierarchies and news values lead to overshadowing and marginalisation of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups, often reinforcing processes of silence and invisibility imposed by past injustices. Over the past decades, there has however been increasing recognition of the consequences and effects of unjust state policies, colonialism and racism. For example, on 28 March 2023, following several years of investigative journalism into its own history, the Scott Trust, owner of The Guardian, a British liberal newspaper with a global audience, issued a public apology for its links to slavery and announced a programme of restorative justice. This is one example of how the history and current practices of journalism and (news) media are deeply intertwined with histories of colonialism and past injustices. The course investigates theories and recent research on such issues in journalism and media, focusing particularly on the role of journalism in thematizing and reporting on commissions of inquiry. This autumn, 2023, HFIMK9004 will address journalism and the Commissions of inquiries into past and present injustices, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Norway (2018-2023) and the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (RCIRCSA 2013-2017).

Learning outcome

When you have passed the course, you will:

Knowledge

• Know central debates concerning media, journalism and post/neo-colonialism
• Have in-depth knowledge of concepts and theories in the field relevant for analysing these debates
• Be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge by connecting the theoretical challenges in the field to your own research

Skills

• Be able to present and explain fundamental theories and concepts relevant in the study of journalism, colonialism and post-colonialism
• Be able to identify and critically analyse current and new conflicts and controversies in journalism and media studies
• Be able to formulate a crucial research question within the field indicated by the course that is relevant to your Ph.D. project
• Be able to handle complex academic questions and challenge established knowledge within the field

General competencies

• Be able to communicate research to the general public and specialists
• Be able to identify and analyse controversial issues
• Be able to take part in discussions within the field in academic arenas nationally and internationally

Admission to the course

This course is open for students admitted on PhD programs at the University of Oslo or other Norwegian institutions. Interested participants should provide the following documents:

• a short description of the doctoral project (max 1 page, ca 400 words), including information on work done so far.
• a motivation letter explaining how this course is relevant for their doctoral research.?
• for students from other institutions than UiO: an admission confirmation from their host institution.?

Documentation should be sent to the course teacher (Professor Eli Skogerb?) within 15 August 2023.?

Overlapping courses

• 3 credits overlap with MEVIT4322 ¨C Controversies surrounding media and identities.

Teaching

The teaching consists of two two-day workshops. Everyone is also expected to develop individual projects and work independently between meetings.

Attendance is expected at all workshops: you are part of a learning community, and the point of the workshops is to learn from teachers and fellow students, be inspired, let your knowledge and opinions be challenged and get feedback on your work. Students are also required to participate actively in class discussions. Attendance, staying informed, and engagement with the teacher, fellow students, and the course material are expected for you to get the most out of the course and to be able to do your best in the final exam.

The course is offered at two levels jointly, in this case, both at Master's and Ph.D. levels. There will be both master's students and Ph.D. candidates at the workshops.

Mandatory activities:

• Your topic, research questions, and syllabus must be approved
• Attendance is mandatory (at least 75%)

Syllabus:

We will set up a proposal for a syllabus of 500 pages. These will be academic books or articles. Some non-academic texts or other types of material may be added to the syllabus. In consultation with the course teacher, students may choose parts of this syllabus.

Examination

The exam consists of a paper analysing a self-selected controversy. The student may work in groups (2-3) or individually.

Mandatory activities must be passed in order to take the exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.